Salam
I want to say a few words—truly from the bottom of my heart—about things that many people may not fully know, or about which they may have rushed to judge me because of misunderstandings and distance from the truth.
I still remember it like yesterday. Years ago, when I was only 17 years old—before I was even invited to Team Melli by Mr. Queiroz—I received a massive financial offer from another country. But my answer never changed. I said, “I am a son of Iran, and I will only play for the people of my homeland. I want to make them happy.” The very first time I pulled that white shirt over my chest, I made a silent promise to myself: every single time I play for Iran, I will run, fight, and give everything I have to bring joy to the people who love football with pure hearts—especially the children growing up in the remotest villages and the most forgotten corners of our land. I want their smiles to come from our victories.
I never once stepped onto that pitch without pride. When we won together, I felt like the luckiest man alive, proud of every one of my teammates. And when we lost? I was the saddest person in the world—just like every single fan who cried with us. Because I love this game, yes, but more than that, I love the good, loyal, and beautiful people of Iran. They have always given me energy. Their love and unwavering support have carried me through my darkest days.
Many of you already know some of the small things I have tried to do over the years—reserving every hotel in Gonbad to keep our people safe during those twelve terrible days of conflict, bringing clean drinking water to remote villages in Golestan, and supporting the women athletes of our country in volleyball, basketball, and cycling. These are not favors. These are drops from an ocean of love I hold inside me for Iran and every Iranian. And to this day, I have never—not once—held back any effort to help my fellow countrymen.
Wherever I go in this world, wherever I play football, my identity does not change. My heart beats only for Iran. My pride belongs to Iran. I am a footballer, yes. I love football with every fiber of my being. But everything I have ever achieved, everything, comes first from the grace of God, and then from the sweat, the sacrifice, and the endless love of my dear people. For that love, I will remain grateful until my last breath.
I wish success, glory, and pride to my national team, to every player, every coach, and especially to Amir Khan in the World Cup. God willing, my brothers, you will go out there and fight. You will make the hearts of the Iranian people swell with joy. I will be watching, and I will be cheering louder than anyone.
With all my soul,
— Sardar Azmoun